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Thread: Alternative sources for plastics?

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Alternative sources for plastics?

    I would like to use some plastic to make a copy of my dowel/mortising jig. The stuff I can order online is actually sort of expensive. I had thought of trying HDPE cutting boards from some place like Menards or Target, but was wondering if there are other ideas for plastics that can be machined that are available at big box stores? Looking for stuff around 3/8" thick.

  2. #2
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    I bought some solid surface counter top scraps from a cabinet shop. It cuts, drills and sands good. Most are 1/2", but there were some thinner and thicker pieces, too.

    John

  3. #3
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    go look for cheap cutting boards. Thrift stores often have them if you can live with the cut marks. Our buy new from the discount stores.

  4. #4
    Midland plastics, New Berlin, Wi. Over by I 43 and Moreland. They have a small store for their scraps, lots of stuff to choose from and very reasonable. Send me a email Nelsonwoodcrafters@yahoo.com I'd like to chat about cnc sometime.

  5. #5
    Specialty restaurant stores usually have a variety of cutting boards in thicknesses of up half or three-quarters of an inch.

  6. #6
    Give Plastics International a call. I get my delrin there in 1'x2' sheets sometimes smaller cutoffs at a decent price.
    They may be able to help you.
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  7. #7
    Hate to state the obvious, but I've gotten great deals on 1" HDPE at Amazon.

  8. #8
    Join Date
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    Phil if you're still looking for some HDPE, I have some scrap 5 inch or 6 inch rounds about 1/2 inch thick.
    Let me know how many you need and I'll see what I've got. Just pay for postage - I'm in IL so it won't be too much.
    Materials Conversion Specialist
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  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mayo Pardo View Post
    Phil if you're still looking for some HDPE, I have some scrap 5 inch or 6 inch rounds about 1/2 inch thick.
    Let me know how many you need and I'll see what I've got. Just pay for postage - I'm in IL so it won't be too much.
    That is very generous Mayo, but I found a guy that had some pieces he found by the side of the road and just wanted out of his garage.

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